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Updated: Oct 22, 2025
Measurements of Motor Function and Other Clinical Outcome Parameters in Ambulant Children with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
Published on: January 12, 2019
Efficacy of two intervention approaches on functional walking capacity and balance in children with Duchene muscular
Abd El Aziz A Sherief1, Heba Gaber Abd ElAziz2, Mostafa S Ali2
1Department of Physical Therapy for Pediatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Kafer El Sheikh University, Egypt.
Insights
Treadmill exercise significantly improved walking capacity and balance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy more than bicycle ergometer training. This study highlights effective exercise for Duchene muscular dystrophy management.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pediatrics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes muscle weakness, impacting postural adjustments essential for gait and daily activities.
- Impaired balance and functional walking capacity are significant challenges for children with DMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of bicycle ergometer versus treadmill training on functional walking capacity and balance in children with DMD.
- To evaluate the impact of different aerobic exercise modalities on key functional outcomes in pediatric DMD patients.
Main Methods:
- Thirty boys (6-10 years) with DMD were randomly assigned to bicycle ergometer (Group A) or treadmill (Group B) training.
- Both groups received physical therapy plus aerobic exercise (1 hour, 3x/week for 3 months).
- Functional walking capacity and balance were assessed using the 6-minute walk test and Biodex balance system.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements (P<0.05) were observed in all measured variables post-treatment for both groups compared to pre-treatment.
- Group B (treadmill) demonstrated significantly greater improvements in all measured variables compared to Group A (bicycle ergometer).
Conclusions:
- Treadmill training is a more effective aerobic exercise modality than bicycle ergometer for improving walking capacity and balance in children with DMD.
- Aerobic exercise, particularly treadmill-based, offers significant benefits for functional rehabilitation in pediatric Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Objectives:
Children with Duchene muscular dystrophy have weak muscles, which may impair postural adjustments. These postural adjustments are required for gait and dynamic balance during the daily living activities. The aim was to compare between the effect of bicycle ergometer versus treadmill on functional walking capacity and balance in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Methods:
Thirty boys aged from 6 to 10 years old diagnosed as Duchene muscular dystrophy participated in this study. Children were assigned randomly into two groups (A&B). Children in group (A) underwent a designed program of physical therapy plus aerobic exercise training in form of bicycle ergometer while, group (B) received the same program as group (A) and aerobic exercise training by treadmill for one hour, at three times a week for three successive months. Functional walking capacity and balance were assessed before and after treatment by using the 6-minute walk test and Biodex balance system equipment respectively.
Results:
The post treatment results revealed significant difference in all measured variables (P<0.05) as compared with its pre-treatment results. Post-treatment values indicated that there was a significant difference in all measured variables in favor of group B.
Conclusions:
treadmill training as an aerobic exercise can improve walking capacity and balance more effectively than bicycle ergometer in children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
